The mission of the College of Nursing at South Dakota State University is to improve human health and quality of life for people in the state of South Dakota, the region, the nation, and the world. The College strives for excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, scholarship, and health services to diverse individuals, communities, and populations across the life span. Faculty, students, and graduates of the College value scholarly activities that expand nursing science, nursing knowledge, and nursing practice and provide leadership in the delivery of nursing and health care for individuals across the life span, in communities and populations. The College engages in strategic and inter-professional partnerships to improve human health and foster diversity in the people and perspectives shaping the discipline.

The mission serves to:

Recruit and retain students who reflect a qualified, diverse student body.